Christmas Eve and Christmas Morn

Christmas Eve we went to our Irish friends' house and had good times with other families with kids. My attempt at a family Christmas photo was not the best--green and red--cute---boys, not too happy. It's okay...maybe next time.

This is where the real party was at--the kids' room. Now my friend Rachel and I find ourselves laughing at what a difference holidays are for us (review the Thanksgiving post). We eat a bite, play with the kids, drink a sip and then feed a baby. Blessings!

Our precious kids! SMILE! Hahaha! CLASSIC...just look at these bundles of love.

Malachi was so joyful on Christmas Eve! Look at this guy smiling! (Wearing cousin Jonas' hand-me-down Nike shirt!).

Who was the first one up on Christmas Morn? This cheery boy--early riser. We went down for pictures together of his first Christmas. (Ernie will notice the ornaments he made that adorn our meager tree---Grandma will notice her quilt--THANK YOU!).

Baby's First Christmas!!!

Eljiah is ready for the beach!

Family Vacation--Just a Five Hour Bus Ride Away!

We took our first family vacation with the four of us. The day after Nate was done teaching we got a taxi and went to the bus station. When we loaded the bus we were the last ones on and had to sit in the very back row. We bounced all the way there but we made it!

Once there (my sister would say "WHERE?"--you'll see...) we had lots of family time in a peaceful place. Grass, trees, breezes....it was worth the winding roads through the mountains on a public bus with two little ones! I love our boys!

The Beckers four--we miss our family but are enjoying our little nuclear family while here.

I love Elijah's eyes and many joyful expressions.

Fun swimming with mosquitoes and playing on tractors.

Our friends also came to this place to visit their parents/grandparents. Elijah got in with the kids but wasn't so fond of the wheelbarrow ride.

Peaceful and precious moments with papa...what a serene place in nature to enjoy and rest.

Chase Mama! It was tricky getting Elijah to sleep in our room but we got a system worked out.

Elijah's favorite playmate is "Mama!" Playing "Hiding" and what a fun smile!

My boys--what a blessing from God!

Fun idea--brothers in the wagon--nope Malachi was not a fan.

This is not a good pic as a photographer, but I like it because it shows a common occurence that I find special. Mama was holding back to take a picture of her fam, but Elijah turned around and put up his hand to make sure I was coming too. He didn't want to take a walk unless I was coming. He makes me feel like the greatest lady in the world--I melt and take his hand.

Here it is---the place we went was Nasuli, a translation center for more than 50 years. It is closing down now so it was our last chance to visit. It is kind of like family camp with different houses "cabins' and a guest house where we stayed. Grass and trees in the middle, they ring the bell for church and you can hear everything across the courtyard. A nice place to visit--glad it has served its purpose and now will be turned over to another ministry.

So many new places to explore. It was so good for me to get out--me the travel woman--I realize I have not left the city since Elijah and I went to China in February. That must be a record for me of not going anywhere!

Beautiful rural Philippines...and my true love holding our son. Thank you, Lord, for the family times together in Your creation!

First Haircut & Fun With Friends

After 19 months of life it was time for a haircut. I had been waiting for a long time for a chance to get pictures since there is a space in Elijah's baby book for this momentous occasion.

To get him to sit still we had to give him scissors of his own and he cut the plants, as you can see here. He was getting quite the curly locks there wafting in the wind. He looks more grown up now.

Malachi and his friend, Kaileigh. Jeralyn helped me with the cut. This picture is quite a catch for a lady like me! (Sarah--"FRAMABLE")

And, the new do...stylish!

Random pic--Mother sees child sleeping so peacefully--camera!

One of Elijah's best friends, Sojo, came to play. I love the colorful ball pics!

Malachi is not so sure he likes the ball bath.

Elijah can't wait for his new playmate to grow up--he loves putting balls and toys on Malachi's head.

Christmas Cookie Reunion

Thursday the 11 sisters came to the cookie reunion. The ladies quoted the 12 weeks of scripture they memorized last year in the Bible study and decorated cookies while they listened to each other. It was so encouraging to hear how God had used the verses this past year in their lives to strengthen their faith. (Can you spot Malachi in the picture?)

Elijah helped me get ready the week before the event. He went with me to buy the sprinkles at a special store (not a common item in the grocery store here)...he helped me go to the bank, buy the rice and make the cookies. Of course he sat in his chair and ate a whole clump of dough while I thought he was just rolling it and making impressions with the cookie cutters.

Thanks to my mom's recent visit we had fun cookie cutter shapes--cross, Christmas tree, musical note, heart, star...and also the food coloring for the frosting. THANKS MOM!

Elijah's buddy, Silas, came to help also. Thanks to his mom I was able to get 15 dozen made in one day!

A precious photo moment captured--boys' piano duet!

We're all ready for the party! Each lady got to decorate 2 dozen cookies for her family.

Each sister got a surprise gift to take home--10 kilos of rice (good for 1-2 weeks) and some plates that were sent to us in a box from generous people in the U.S.! They were so happy to know their family would have rice for a week! God provides!

Amor and Emi helped me--I couldn't do it without them! Emi made 15 dozen cookies the week before. Thank God for such great friends and sisters! Amor helped me with the kids during the event and helped clean up after. Wow, what a blessing!

Praise God for these sisters--a blessing! Pray that God's word continues to pierce their hearts and encourage them throughout the year.

Malachi is 3 Months!

Of the 122 (!) pics I took, these are my faves: